3In the serene and enigmatic library of the peculiar facility. Blur found himself in an unexpected interaction with Number 102. The vast expanse of white-bound books surrounded them, and the silent absence of the white cat was a constant reminder that haunted them."Um... that book," Blur began, attempting to communicate his curiosity. His voice was gentle, laced with empathy for the girl who struggled to express herself.In response, Number 102 immediately extended her hands, offering the book to him. Her intentions were clear, though her words remained trapped within her."Are you going to give me the book?" Blur inquired, trying to decipher her motives. He observed her closely, aware that their connection was not limited to spoken language.A brief negative reaction from her was evident as she shook her head, signifying that his guess had missed the mark. Undeterred, Blur was determined to unearth the true purpose behind her actions."Rea..." "Do you want me to read the book for you?" Blur suggested, astutely picking up on her garbled comments. He sensed that reading the book was what she sought, a bridge to understanding and communication.She nodded in response, affirming his assumption with a subtle yet profound gesture. It was now clear that the book she held was a vessel of expression for her, a means to transcend her own boundaries.As Blur gazed at her, a swirl of emotions enveloped him. How was I able to understand her and why does this feel like it isn't the first time we are talking about this?A sigh escaped him as he pondering left him no answers, but the responsibility thrust upon him by the enigmatic cat took priority.He had been left to tend to her needs, a task that required patience and understanding. Perhaps it was the trust the cat had in him, or maybe there simply was no one else who could fill this role."The Princess's Knight," Blur spoke, his voice soft yet filled with intent. He picked up the book she had offered, acknowledging its significance.He read aloud the title, and as the words left his lips, he couldn't help but notice the uniqueness of the book. It resembled picture books he had encountered in his early days, with unconventional illustrations that seemed more suited for children."P-prin...cess..." she stuttered, making a valiant effort to speak the word hidden within the book's title."Ah, that's the name of the book," Blur replied, offering her assistance and encouragement in her endeavor to communicate."N-nam..." she began, her eyes trained on him with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. It was as though she had stumbled upon a new word, a revelation that sparked a flicker of connection between them."...Uh-huh," he responded, affirming her discovery."Alright, let's read this book together," Blur suggested with a warm smile, holding up the book titled "The Princess's Knight."Number 102's eyes lit up with eager anticipation, and she nodded enthusiastically, despite her difficulties with speech. In that shared moment, their unspoken connection grew stronger. With the book cradled gently in his hands, Blur led the way to a cozy corner of the library—the lounge, where plush white chairs beckoned under soft, warm lighting.As they settled into their seats, the room seemed to cocoon them in a serene ambiance. Number 102's eyes remained fixed on the book, her attention unwavering, her anticipation palpable.With a gentle touch, Blur opened the book, revealing its first few pages adorned with vibrant illustrations that brought the tale of "The Princess's Knight" to life. His voice, soothing and filled with wonder, began to narrate the story."Once upon a time," he began, "in a kingdom far, far away, there lived a beautiful princess."With every word, he painted a vivid picture of the adventures that unfolded as the brave knight sought to protect the princess from the perils of their world. The pages turned, revealing more enchanting illustrations that transported them to a realm of fantasy and imagination.Throughout the reading, Number 102's eyes remained glued to the pages, her focus never wavering. Her struggle with speech did nothing to conceal the emotions that radiated from her. She was wholly engrossed in the world of storytelling, captivated by the magic of words and images.For Blur, this experience was more than just reading a story—it was a profound connection. In this shared moment, their communication transcended the boundaries of spoken language. They communicated through the universal language of storytelling, where emotions spoke louder than words.As the story unfolded, Blur noticed a subtle change in Number 102's expression. It was as though the narrative provided her with a comforting refuge, a temporary escape from the limitations of her world.Hours passed, and they finally reached the last page of the book. "And so," Blur concluded, "the princess knight searched for his princess throughout the kingdom. The end."Wait is that all? Closing the book gently, he placed it back on the table. When he turned to look at Number 102, he discovered that she had fallen asleep, her peaceful visage revealing the depths of her vulnerability. She had dozed off mid-way through the story.Blur couldn't help but wonder about the book itself. It was different from the other books in the library, bearing the appearance of an older version. Its pages held a sense of history and nostalgia that set it apart.More so, it had an ending that seem like the author gave up half-way. "Why did it end that way?" He examined the book more closely, pondering why Number 102 held it so dearly. Despite his extensive exploration of the library's collection, he couldn't recall encountering a book quite like it. The mystery surrounding its origin intrigued him."By the way, where did she get the book from?" As he contemplated where Number 102 might have obtained the book, a sudden and excruciating pain gripped his mind. It felt like a thousand needles piercing his skull, and he winced, clutching his head in agony.His vision glitches, and a torrent of fragmented memories surged forth, overwhelming his senses. It was as if his very thoughts were being scrambled and rearranged.Then, in an instant, the glitch reached its peak, and Blur's consciousness faltered. He fell backward, losing grip on reality as unconsciousness claimed him.He drifted into an unsettling slumber.
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